The American Samoa delegation was the second to last of the 25 nations represented at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture to make their way to the stage of the Stan Sheriff Center during the opening ceremonies last night.
The Director of the Amerika Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities Fuata Tiumali Sam Samia led the more than 100 member group. Miss American Samoa Pauliana Angel Felise Vitale dressed in taupou attire was escorted by sogaimiti.
Fuata extended greetings then introduced Lt Governor Laapui Eleasalo and Mrs Marian Ale who were seated with other islands leaders and Hawaii Governor Josh Green and First Lady Jamie Green.
He also introduced the House representatives from American Samoa who had front row seats to the 8-hour long opening festivities.
The delegation presented gifts of siapo, and traditional head dress for taupou to the Hawaii Governor and First Lady.
The choir under the direction of Pati Pati Jr. sang Faliu Le La.
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And the dance group, performed a mauluulu and faataupati.
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The final item was a taualuga by Miss American Samoa.
Fuata attracted negative comments on social media when he jokingly referred to Miss American Samoa as “my girlfriend”.
Hawaii as hosts were the last to take the stage. Governor Green and First Lady Jamie Green gave remarks after the performance of traditional Hawaiian dances and chants.
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